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About “Crime Book Festival, Denmark”: Krimimessen

The Crime Book Festival, Denmark, Krimimessen, is held at Fængslet, the intriguing Old State Penitentiary in Horsens, every year right before Easter. Horsens Library is the driving force behind Krimimessen, and has throughout the years worked together with many Danish publishing houses and book stores.

Krimimessen was held for the first time in 2001. Back then, the theme was the Nordic crime novel and had around 200 guests and five Nordic authors. In 2012, the number of visitors reached 5.000 at the crime festival, and we had around 100 authors and lecturers. Throughout the years, Krimimessen has had visitors from not only the Nordic countries, but also Germany, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and the United States.

Nordic crime literature has been flourishing the last few years, and this is reflected in the program this year. We’ve attracted a lot of Nordic authors and will be going in-depth about the phenomenon, Nordic Noir, during our panel discussions.

Vibeke Johansen, program manager

The Crime Book Festival, 2017, was a part of Aarhus 2017.

Juliana Engberg, Programme Director Aarhus 2017: ‘With its inspired location in the de-commissioned Fængslet, Horsen’s famous, or should we say ‘infamous’ prison, Crime Book Festival is rich in atmosphere and full of dark, dangerous thoughts. What better place to enjoy one of the most popular genres in book writing and reading. Books that stir the imagination, set puzzles for the brain, and provide the thrill of the chase from the comfort of a fireside sofa. This year’s line up is stellar and Greed is on the menu. We are set for a thriller festival for sure!’

Krimimessen is open Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

Next time, Krimimessen will be held on March 17th and 18th, 2018.

You can purchase tickets for an adventure at the prison now – and the prices are: